Outlook Care
Access options
Lisa's Story
Lisa lives in a registered care home in Romford which supports six people with a learning disability. Since she started to volunteer every Saturday morning at her local PDSA charity shop, Lisa has flourished and is now on her way to a more independent future.
Supporting people to play a meaningful role in their local community is an integral part of Outlook Care services, and guiding service users towards employment and voluntary opportunities is one way we make this a reality.
Lisa’s story is testament to this goal. She explained, “I work for the PDSA because I like animals. While there I make tea for people and I like doing the clothes – sorting them out, hanging them up and organising things.”
Employment opportunities are extremely important: they allow us to gain confidence and independence, build relationships and learn new skills. This is apparent in the changes in Lisa since joining the PDSA. “Since working there it has made me more confident to speak to people,” she said.
Her new found confidence has not gone unnoticed. Sue Low, Deputy Home Manager, added, “I’ve known Lisa for several years and she has gained such self confidence. It’s amazing.”
“She really enjoys talking to people and she now encourages everyone here to take their old things into the shop so she can sell them. People are always giving her things now! It is also really obvious that she loves her job – all week she talks about it and really looks forward to Saturday coming around again.”
Many of the people we support are keen to work or volunteer and Lisa’s story highlights how this can have a positive impact on individuals.
Denise Bennett, Support Worker, added, “Before, she was hesitant to voice her opinions, but now she is more self aware. It has definitely made her more confident and she speaks more freely.”
The future for Lisa just keeps getting brighter. At the end of 2008 she will start a Life Skills course with Havering College where she will learn how to deal with her own finances and develop computer skills. She explained, “I like college because I learn new things and make new friends – I can’t wait to start!” With her PDSA job established and college on the horizon, Lisa is paving the way for an even more independent life.
